Internet and computer systems for peacekeepers including, for example, systems for real-time collaboration; wellness, training and capacity building; usable system security; social media analysis, open source intelligence and early warning; situation monitoring, imaging and awareness.

Power systems, including renewable and nonstandard powering and grounding facilities, for networking, computer and communication technologies.

Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of UNU-CS, or other research staff members, successful candidates shall be closely involved in the planning and implementation of research programmes in the area of Digital Peace. Responsibilities will be based upon the level of appointment. Duties for all appointments are to include:

Contribute regularly to the research outputs of UNU-CS as agreed with the Director.

Conduct both desk and field research, and social and computing scientific scholarship, as appropriate to specific research tasks.

Identify, compile and undertake reviews of published and unpublished documents.

Prepare drafts and final reports of research projects for publication; disseminate research publications locally and internationally in a variety of formats to be agreed with the Director.

Attend meetings and discussions with key people related to the research projects and activities.

Produce policy impact through dissemination of key scholarly findings to appropriate stakeholders, as agreed to with the Director.

Assist in organizing capacity building activities, workshops and conferences in the relevant research programmes of the Institute.

Undertake supervision of postgraduate and postdoctoral candidates and Research Assistants as required.

Assist the Director in liaising with potential donors and collaborators for the Institute.

Be proactive in seeking external funding for agreed research projects that fall within the scope of UNU-CS research programmes, as agreed with by the Director.

Collaborate on project planning and project administration and assume responsibility for the administrative duties relating to the research activities undertaken, liaising as necessary with colleagues at the Institute, UNU Headquarters and DPKO ICTD.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

Minimum qualifications for Research Assistant positions: An undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree in relevant area.

Minimum qualifications for Senior Research Assistant positions: A master’s degree in relevant area or a bachelor’s degree with three or more years of advanced or specialized experience, such as in software design and programming.

Minimum qualifications for Research Fellow positions: A new PhD degree or terminal advanced degree or a master’s degree with at least three years directly relevant working experience. Demonstrated research promise.

Minimum qualifications for Principal Research Fellow positions:A PhD degree or terminal advanced degree and at least five years directly relevant research work experience. Sound record of scholarly publications, research and policy impact.

Required qualifications for all positions:

Proficiency with modern computer programming environments.

Skills in relevant social and/or computing scientific disciplines.

Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methodologies and conceptual frameworks.

Excellent communication and drafting skills, with proficiency in both oral and written English.

Good team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Willingness to work in a dynamic start-up environment and to help build a leading global research institute.

Willingness and ability to travel and work in challenging conditions including UN Peacekeeping Missions.

Reside full-time in Macau for the duration of the contract; some international travel may be required.

Remuneration:

Starting monthly remuneration of a Research Assistant is USD$1,996; while for Senior Research Assistant it is USD$2,505; Research Fellow is USD$3,907; and Principal Research Fellow is USD$5,641. Remuneration will also be commensurate with qualification and experience of the successful candidate.

Internationally recruited personnel receive rent-free housing in Macau (subject to availability). UN income is not subject to taxes in Macau. Please review important details on your full compensation package here.

Duration of contract:

This is a full time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements, satisfactory work performance and funding availability, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

Employment are contract positions falling outside of the United Nations Common System. The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Application Procedure:

Interested parties for Research Assistant positions should submit their applications by email to ra_cs@unu.edu and to rf_cs@unu.edu for Research Fellow positions. All applicants must include the following:

A cover letter setting out how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position.

A list of three (3) professional references.

A curriculum vitae with a list of relevant research activities and publications.

An indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement. For Research Assistant positions reference 2016/UNU/CS/PSA/DPRA/47; for Research Fellow positions reference 2016/UNU/CS/PSA/DPRF/48.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8).